Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'Although she enjoys reading.'

Front

Identify the clause type: 'Because it was raining.'

Back

Dependent clause.

Front

Identify the clause type: 'The dog barked loudly.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

What is the function of a dependent clause in a sentence?

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause, often indicating time, reason, condition, or contrast.

Front

What punctuation is used to separate two independent clauses?

Back

A semicolon (;) or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Front

Example of a sentence with two independent clauses:

Back

'I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining outside.'

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Front

Identify the clause type: 'Whenever I finish my homework.'

Back

Dependent clause.

Front

Identify the clause type: 'He plays soccer on weekends.'

Back

Independent clause.